Criterion Pitched A Need For Speed Title To EA Years Ago

Criterion are currently hard at work on Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit for EA but the developer has recently revealed that a Need for Speed title was proposed to the publisher quite some time ago under the title 'Need for Speed: Split Second' back in 2002.

Craig Sullivan, designer at Criterion commented that the studio pitched a stunt orientated version of the game to EA Canada years ago. However, relations weren't so hot between the companies after a sequel to C64 title, Skate or Die wasn't made, after it was promised:

“We called a meeting with the EA guys, told them we were walking away and they went mad, threatening to sue us, put us out of business… There was a lot of anger and frustration."

“Then we got a call from the Need For Speed guys and they said, ‘We can’t work with you guys any more; you just walked away and there’s a shame on your company, so we can’t talk to you.’"

“I remember coming back to my desk and there was a folder on my desktop called EA and I just clicked delete. We learned a lot about how a game should be made.”

Looks like time is a magnificent healer, that and the prospect of lots more money means we'll have another Need for Speed title to play in November, from the guys behind Burnout.